What is blackout or how to choose blackout curtains

Sun, summer, heat and... the only desire is a little coolness. Blackout roller blinds are universal textile products that allow you to protect yourself from the sweltering heat on summer days, while maintaining the originality and splendor of the interior.

They are appropriate in the bedroom, in the living room, in the kitchen, and in the office. Different styles of execution allow them to harmoniously blend into the style of the room without violating the overall design integrity.

A window in a room is, of course, a mandatory attribute of any room, be it a bedroom, living room or kitchen. But sometimes the light it emits interferes with sleep or is simply annoying.

Then Blackout blinds come to the rescue - a modern and stylish analogue of classic curtains .

It almost completely blocks light and provides quality rest even on a sunny day.

Photos in the interior

Roller blinds made of blackout fabric come in different colors, plain and with patterns. We made a selection of photos to make the description in the article clear.

What is this

Blackout is a light-proof fabric that is used to decorate the interior. It consists of several layers. Synthetic raw materials are used for production. Not suitable for sewing clothes.

The material is used for decorating window openings in residential and commercial premises. It protects the space from the scorching sun and darkens it, creating comfortable living conditions.

Blackout is used for different types of curtains, including roller blinds. The canvas has a special design. Thanks to this, it is adjustable, like a blind.

The curtain can be easily raised or lowered, thereby providing the required level of lighting during the daytime. Its popularity among designers is explained by its stylishness, as well as its laconic design.

Advantages and disadvantages

Roller shutters made of blackout fabric have many advantages:

• curtains block the sun's rays, even if the windows face south;
• thermal effect. Curtains do not allow cold air to pass through in winter;
• the room does not heat up in summer;
• fabric blocks up to 30% of extraneous noise;
• textiles do not fade under sunlight;
• easy surface care;
• a large number of flowers;
• easy installation and assembly;
• curtains are not flammable. If fire hits them, the reflective textiles will melt and the flame will go out;
• the canvas can be cut in width or made shorter in length.

The disadvantages include the high price compared to fabric roller blinds.

Rules of care

Customer reviews, public opinion and the basics of fabric care allow us to formulate several tips, following which you can extend the life of your favorite curtains.

• Wash the filter curtains (if it is possible to remove them from the revolving mechanism) in 40-degree water by hand or using a washing machine. Using the second case, you need to select the appropriate mode - “Hand Wash” or “Delicate Care”.
• They are pressed out at an operating mode of no more than 400 rpm.
• To clean the curtains on the mechanism, washing vacuum cleaners are used.

For your information. Without additional spinning, the fabrics dry quickly enough. Washing them twice throughout the year will reliably preserve their attractive and clean appearance.

Blackout roller blinds for plastic windows

A roller blind roller blackout is one of the easiest ways to decorate a window opening. Easy installation can be done even by a technician without experience. You don't have to drill the frame to do this. You can use double-sided tape. The kit always includes step-by-step instructions.

Lightproof textiles are often used to drape windows in the living room and bedroom.

In the bedroom you can hang fabric roller shutters in calm neutral shades. For example, this could be beige, gray-pink, turquoise or olive. It is convenient to use automatic blackout curtains with electric drive. If you use the method of printing drawings on canvas, then the theme “night city” is suitable.

In a children's room, you can drape the openings with bright curtains of the same tone or with a pattern. For the canvases you can choose cartoon characters.

Light shades are suitable for the living room. These can be snow-white, lilac or wheat roller blinds. For example, you can hang a roller blind “Venice-thermo blackout” and use a cream tone.

Lighting in the kitchen can be adjusted with roller blinds in dynamic, bright colors. It is acceptable to use colors such as fuchsia, ripe apple or yellow.

Installation Features

The design of roller blinds is suitable for any size of windows and their design: plastic, metal-plastic, wooden, high or low. Vertical blinds are installed on a glazing bead or attached directly to the window frame.

The canvas is already sold complete with a metal tube and fasteners, fishing line with guides and installation instructions. The only additional thing that may be required is a drill or hammer drill to drill a hole in the opening.

Installation steps:

1. First, you need to degrease the outside of the window opening with an alcohol-containing solution. 2. Determine the guides by placing the canvas against the window, then mark the place at the top where they end. 3. Remove the side covers from the box. 4. Pull the chain and unfold the curtains. 5. Remove the protective film from the adhesive area of ​​the box and press it against the upper edge of the window. 6. The end of one box must be attached. 7. Adjusting the second end, position the canvas straight and attach the box. 8. After removing the film from the guides, stick it at the marking location. 9. Attach the protective caps to the box.

Constructions

Roller shutters made of blackout fabric can be hung on windows made of PVC profiles or wooden sashes. Seals along the edges of the curtain keep it parallel to the glass. The fabric does not sag and closes the room from sunlight.

The main part of the mechanism is the lifting roller on which the blade is attached. The principle of operation is to adjust the lighting level by twisting and unwinding the canvas.

There are two types of roller shutters:

• Open design. Lightweight design of roller shutters, in which the shaft remains open. The advantages include lower cost compared to a closed mechanism.
• Closed design. The rolling mechanism is covered with a decorative box. This design weighs more, but also ensures a tighter fit between the textile and the glass.

Most curtains come in a standard size. If the width of the openings does not fit into the standards, then the curtains can be sewn to individual sizes.

Packaging methods

1. Universal fastening consisting of a chain mechanism. Attached to slopes, ceilings, walls.
2. Fastening with adhesive tape - no drilling required, can be easily removed.
3. Weight bar, fishing line, upper and lower fastenings, plug. Used for windows with opening sashes.

The fishing line will hold the curtain fabric when placed on the movable sash of the plastic frame

Where are sunshades used?

The sun's rays breaking through the window frames make it difficult to relax. For rooms with south-facing windows, you can use blackout roller blinds. They will protect the room from excess light better than fabric curtains.

Roller shutters made of light-proof fabric are well suited for bedrooms where a street lamp or spotlight is located opposite the window.

Curtains with a lifting mechanism can be found not only in an apartment or house, but also in an office or conference room, kindergartens, and school assembly halls.

As an alternative to standard blinds, roller blinds can be hung on windows in the kitchen, living room, library, shops and catering establishments.

Reviews about roller blinds

The power of tradition is palpable, but new trends and ideas are penetrating an increasing number of apartments, houses and offices. High-tech roller blinds and amazing light-proof blackout fabric are no longer considered a curiosity. Reviews about this type of interior textiles are mostly positive:

• Blackout provides excellent protection from light at any time of the year. You can simply close the curtains and night falls - ideal for daytime relaxation.
• Blackout roller blinds are indispensable for people who work night shifts and sleep during the day. Due to natural light, it is difficult for the brain to get used to the idea that it is necessary to sleep. This is where blackout comes in handy.
• Roller blinds are very convenient for kitchens - there are no folds in which dirt and dust collect, they can be easily lowered and raised, do not take up much space, and flowers do not touch them.
• Impenetrable roller blinds provide very reliable protection from prying eyes. One movement of the hand, the mechanism comes into action, and not a single curious glance will disturb it.
• Products of this type look impressive precisely because of their simplicity. There is something oriental and elegant about roller blinds. They take up virtually no space, they simply cover the glass, so the room becomes more spacious.

Blackout - special fabrics that protect houses from light, noise and prying eyes. This is a dense, reliable, durable material, it is beautiful and easy to care for. Lightproof fabrics are also used to create roller blinds - laconic products that roll up into a convenient roller blind. Curtains of this type can replace blinds, which are difficult to clean due to the abundance of parts. They easily fit into any interior - both classic and ultra-modern.

Criterias of choice

When choosing blackout curtains, you need to pay attention to the following criteria:

• type of construction. If a curtain is needed to create a “night” effect, then the curtain should have wide guides. Mini-roller blinds will not completely close the room from light, but excess rays will not penetrate. In this case, the darkening will be about 90%;
• textile. The material must be impregnated with moisture and dust;
• color spectrum. The shade should match the overall palette of the room;
• pattern. Ornaments or prints can complement the style of the home. For the pattern to look appropriate, it must duplicate the pattern on the furniture upholstery or accessories;
• control method. This could be a remote control or a chain.

Scope of use of curtain fabrics

Their main purpose is interior decoration and design.

Blackout curtains are used:

• as curtains for any room, even for a children's room;
• as a curtain on theater stages or to limit light in photo studios;
• as a decorative element (in this case they serve as wallpaper);
• as elements for creative activities, for example, for creating textile applique or using the patchwork technique.

Types of blackout blinds

Blackout blinds are divided into 4 types. Let's look at each one separately.

Classic

Smooth blades that fit tightly to the glass. There are no pleated folds, so the fabric roller shutter does not collect dust. The curtain does not touch the floor. The structure can be fixed at any height. This will protect it from external influences.

The canvases are cheaper than other types of blackout roller shutters. The downside is the need for additional care.

Cassette

Cassette roller shutters are suitable for rooms where maximum protection from sunlight is needed. The textile sections are located in guides, with minimal gaps between them. You can only notice them when the sun shines on the curtain. The lifting mechanism is closed by a box. The shade of the box can be matched to the white PVC frame and wooden window.

Mini roller blinds

The assembled mini blackout structure is installed on the window sash. For this, brackets and double-sided tape are used. No drilling is required for installation. The fabric of intra-frame curtains does not sag due to magnetic weights.

Blackout mini-curtains can be combined with tulle or veil. You can also use thick curtains for drapery.

Zebra

Curtains with a zebra or day-night blackout design differ from conventional roller shutters in that the fabric is thrown over a lifting shaft. The fabric consists of alternating transparent and dense strips. The system can be installed on any lifting mechanism. Zebra roller blinds day and night can be controlled remotely or using a ball chain.

Vertical roller blinds

Vertical fabric blinds Blackout - fabric rolls on slats that go up and down, and not from left to right, like metal blinds. A natural choice for sliding doors, rooms with wide window spaces that are difficult to cover with other types of window coverings. They are a good solution for hard-to-reach window openings. The movement of the tracks can be controlled using a wireless remote control, sticks, cords.

The level of illumination is regulated by turning the fabric strips; if necessary, vertical blinds can be moved to the side and completely clear the window opening

Vertical blinds are easy to install, just like Venetian blinds. Installed inside or outside the window frame. The first vertical blinds were not connected at the bottom, which was a disadvantage. Over time, designers dealt with this problem by connecting the bottom of the planks with a chain.

If desired, the amount of incoming light can be adjusted - this is an advantage. The window area remains partially open, allowing people to admire the nature outside the window, as well as direct sunlight inside by refracting direct sunlight.

Vertical roller blinds inside the window opening

Premises where vertical curtains are predominantly used are offices, other rooms of enormous height, such as cinemas, museums due to the difficulty of controlling sunlight, ensuring privacy with hard-to-reach windows.

Vertical roller blinds over the window opening

The appearance of vertical fabric roller blinds fits into a modern interior. A vertical structure can add visual height to a room with low ceilings. A sunny room will seem more open and the space will increase.

Lightproof blinds in the interior

Blackout roller blinds can be used to decorate windows in any room. In this case, the main condition is that the color must match the color scheme and style direction of the room.

What interior style will it suit?

Roller curtains can be selected for styles such as modern, Japanese, minimalism, Scandinavian, boho and other styles. Blinds will not look appropriate in rooms where lush draperies are used.

How to choose the color of blackout curtains

The palette of curtains is selected not only from the color scheme of the room, but also based on the purpose of the room. For the office you need to use curtains in neutral shades. Gray, gray-blue, olive curtains are suitable. In conference rooms you can hang blackout mocha or graphite.

The darker the color of the textile, the more effective the darkening in the room will be. Light and bright roller shutters will shade the room by 85-90%.

It is better not to use bright patterns and prints with plain thick curtains.

Black-and-white day-night blackout roller blinds will add volume to a small room.

Types

You can choose the following types of roller blinds:

1. Vertical.
2. Roman.
3. Classic.
4. Venetian.
5. Wooden.
6. Pleated.
7. Waterproof.

Vertical

Fabric vertical stripes provide soft lighting control.

Fabric blinds are narrow slats located along the window, in a fully closed position they look like regular curtains

How it works: A plastic wand is used to tilt and open the blinds.

Roman

• Soft folds of fabric that fold into decorative pellets when lifted.
• Great for: bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms, other rooms.
• They have a more luxurious look and have an additional dimming option.

Cascading Roman blinds look especially attractive, forming wavy folds even when lowered.

Advice! Place them in a room that gives you a cold feeling that lacks coziness.

Classic

The most universal option. The fabric is wrapped neatly around the tube and lifted up.

Classic open roller blinds

How it works: Uses a side suspension with a plastic chain.

Venetian

Metal horizontal slats that tilt to control light and privacy.

The slats of Venetian curtains are fastened together with cords or a nylon ladder coming out of the cornice

Wooden

Wooden horizontal slats that tilt to control light and privacy. Great for: bedrooms, living rooms and dining rooms.

Models with wooden slats are perfect for classic or eco-style

How it works: Lifting cords are used.

Pleated curtains from Blackout

The fabric is laid in even horizontal folds, similar to pleated fabric.

When making pleated curtains, high-strength fabric goes through a molding process, thanks to which the fabric keeps its shape

How it works: Uses a lifting cord.

Waterproof

Absolutely ideal for kitchens and bathrooms. This PVC fabric not only blocks light, but is 100 percent waterproof.

The fabric of such curtains is treated with a special water-repellent impregnation.

They will perfectly decorate all rooms of the house: vertical, classic, Venetian, pleated.

Material properties

Blackout fabric is a type of textile fabric that has the ability to limit the penetration of sunlight, while maximally shading the room (the degree of shading ranges from 90 to 100%). Manufacturers have developed a fabric with a special structure that reliably performs its function, completely retains light, creating the most favorable conditions for sleep.

Did your imagination immediately draw a rectangular black canvas that naturally does not allow daylight to pass through? If this is indeed the case, then your idea is wrong. Blackout fabric can be quite varied, so it can be organically combined with your favorite styles in the interior. Interior design can be completely different: office, home, public. For each option, there are worthy products from the blackout series, and you can choose the right ones for yourself.

Classification

The classification system for curtains is very diverse and is determined mainly by quality indicators. Blackout curtains can vary in:

• density;
• impenetrability;
• color and shades;
• image;
• the presence or absence of a lining base or metal coating.

Blackout curtains, belonging to a variety of styles, are a universal option, filled with a spirit of harmony, able to fit into any interior: from classic to high-tech.

Blackout curtains can be very different.

• Universal type. They are the most popular because they organically integrate into the design of any interior, without placing emphasis on themselves, but emphasizing the dignity and decoration of the room.
• Japanese canvases with a blackout system are an ideal option for those who are inspired by the notes of the East and its unique flavor. This type looks very interesting on large and panoramic windows.
• Pleats are a unique way to solve the problem of decorating arched windows. Windows of non-standard design are not a problem for such curtains.
• Classic curtains. With their traditional nature, they fit any design. Choose colors and patterns in accordance with the color of the wallpaper and the pattern on it, and you will achieve harmony.

A designer find, a universal solution, a revolution - these are the marker words that can be used to characterize blackout curtains. A flight of fancy, a sea of ​​creativity and no restrictions when using this type of curtains. They are stylish and fashionable, practical and functional, durable and comfortable. They have everything and even more.

Accommodation

Curtains are used in residential and non-residential premises.

1. Bedrooms, children's rooms. The opacity of the fabric ensures sleep protection at any time of the day. The owners can relax on their days off without fear of the bright sun or prying eyes.
2. Home cinema. The thick canvas creates all the conditions for a normal movie show. The main thing is to choose the right size curtains.
3. Office space for conferences. A curtain is used to darken a space. It also serves as a basis for presentations.
4. Public establishments. In nightclubs, restaurants and cafes, blackout curtains will create a comfortable and romantic atmosphere.

Thanks to the wide range, curtains are used in any interior. The main thing is to choose the right design.

From the origin story

Historically, each type of curtain has its own ancestral country. Blackout is no exception. And in this story everything is symbolic: from origin to application. Blackout curtains come from Finland. Yes, you are thinking correctly. Finland is a country where white nights are a common occurrence. The logical thing to do was to create curtains that would block out as much daylight as possible at night. And no matter how white and beautiful the nights are, a night's sleep should be strong, complete and healthy. The Finns were not taken aback, and soon those same blackout curtains appeared on their windows. With the advent of such curtains, their sleep became stronger, and the windows remained beautiful and stylish.

There is another story according to which the first prototypes of such curtains became known and popular during the Second World War. Residents of cities and towns were so frightened and afraid of night attacks from aircraft that they tried to remain unnoticed by covering their shutters with black fabric. Thus, they covered the light sources with an impenetrable veil, saving their lives. And the pilots, not seeing the desired target, flew past.